Street Force to Fight off Rivals at Southwell

2.30 Southwell – Street Force

Michael Appleby’s 4 year old colt Street Force has improved rapidly in his last few starts, and he looks to have an outstanding chance in the 7 furlong handicap at Southwell. A previous course and distance winner, the horse has a solid draw and potential to progress further.

Street Force goes very well on the all-weather. He is 3/8 with a further 2 places on the surface and gagged up back over 7 furlongs back in February, winning by 12 lengths. Got slammed with a 10lb hike in the ratings for that success and didn’t cut much ice over the summer. Mark made its way back down to 73 and after a 4 month break, he returned to winning ways at Wolverhampton. Followed that victory up last time out at the same course, winning by a comfortable 3 lengths. Was only put up 6lbs for that facile success and is racing off a mark of 81.

Michael Appleby does very well at Southwell and his horse has a solid draw in stall 3. The 4 year old is likely to sit close to the pace (usually beneficial at Southwell) and odds of 4.50Bet €100 to win €4507/2Bet £100 to win £450+350Bet $100 to win $4503.50Bet HK$100 to win HK$4503.50Bet Rp100 to win Rp450-0.2857Bet RM100 to win RM450 really seem a little too generous.

3.30 Southwell – Countermand

Countermand was beginning to look at little frustrating, but the Andrew Balding 3 year old gelding hosed up by 11 lengths over course and distance last time out and that form has been well advertised. Off a lenient looking mark of 82, he really should be able to justify favouritism in what is, an interesting race.

Countermand was a strong favourite last time out and duly justified that market support in a fairly weak looking maiden, winning by a wide margin. The second that day has since gone on to win by 4 lengths in his next outing, suggesting that run by the Balding horse was a smart one. A reproduction of that effort will make him very difficult to beat.

Serenity Now is the second favourite and is a solid challenger. A dual purpose performer, the son of Key Of Luck has shown an aptitude for artificial surfaces, and has shown a very consistent level of form. Is a course and distance winner at Southwell, but he has beat a lower level of competition than he faces today. Is a decent yardstick, but is vulnerable to an unexposed improver like the selection.

Tips Summary (17th December)

2.30 Southwell – Street Force – 4.50Bet €100 to win €4507/2Bet £100 to win £450+350Bet $100 to win $4503.50Bet HK$100 to win HK$4503.50Bet Rp100 to win Rp450-0.2857Bet RM100 to win RM450, WilliamHill, BetVictor

3.30 Southwell – Countermand – 2.88Bet €100 to win €28847/25Bet £100 to win £288+188Bet $100 to win $2881.88Bet HK$100 to win HK$2881.88Bet Rp100 to win Rp288-0.5319Bet RM100 to win RM288 Coral, Bet365